Threats of the Coral Reef: Types, Reason, Challenges & Protection

Just a few unique threats to the coral reef:

1. Bleaching as a result of warmer water.

2. Acidification of the oceans.

3. Poor water quality as the outcome of poor land use practices.

4. Storm-related physical damage.

5. Physical damage from boats.

6. Queen of Roses starfish – there is some evidence that this is a secondary problem. That results from water quality and climate issues which is threats of the coral reef.

6 threats of the coral reef sources that have causes coral bleaching of the Great Barrier Reef:

1. Agricultural runoff: Chemical fertilizers and pollutants used in farming. It is washed into rivers and streams. That feeds the Great Barrier Reef, making harmful algae blooms and coral reef harm.

2. Coastal development: Marinas, airports, and other waterfront facilities may block normal water movement. Increasing to higher silt and nutrient levels in the reef.

3. Climate change: Rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification are severe risks to the Great Barrier Reef. Producing coral bleaching and possibly permanent harm to reef ecosystems.

4. Industrial activities: Spills, wastewater discharge, and industrial runoff can all contribute to pollution in the Great Barrier Reef.

5. Shipping: Shipping boats can inflict physical harm to the reef through incidents or port damage, as well as bring introduced plants and pollutants into the ecosystem.

6. Marine trash: Plastic waste and other marine garbage can harm aquatic life and harm reef systems in the Great Barrier Reef.

1. Turbid water with a high quantity of dirt can block sunlight and harm coral polyps.

2. Extremely cold water can be harmful dependent on temperature reef plants and animals.

3. When the water warmth is too high. Coral polyps might release harmful algae. That lives mutually with the polyp. It is known as coral bleaching. It can harm the hard, reef-building corals’ base.

4. When water is polluted by vitamins and minerals, toxic chemicals, plastics, sewage, or waste, coral reefs will vanish.

5. Extremely high water pH levels can harm some people if not all, corals.

6. Air pollution and the footwear of people traveling over or touching coral polyps can harm the living creatures and plants that make up the reef.

7. When reefs become damaged, jellyfish and shellfish suffer. Because they lack access to food, shelter, and nursery places.

Let us aim to stop the effects of coral reef destruction on the environment for better ecosystem.

The importance of coral reefs & their functions is as follows:

1. Protect beaches from damaging waves by absorbing wave energy.

 2. Create a safe area for fish to hatch (release eggs into the sea).

 3. Provide habitat for a wide range of species.

4. Provide food (fish and shellfish) for a large number of people who live along beaches.

5. Are a source of medication—Reefs provide several anti-cancer and painkiller medications.

6. Support to the carbon cycle.

7. They are a good marker for ocean water quality. Reef health = water health.

The Great Barrier Reef is the only coral reef that suffered major harm. The Great Barrier Reef is typical in that it is controlled wholly by Australia. Which has strict anti-pollution and anti-plastic rules.

Politicians in Australia seem to believe that carbon foods. Especially plastics are threats of the coral reefs. Politicians in Australia claim to believe in global warming. It will increase sea temperatures, causing ‘bleaching’ and the death of coral reef members.

In the previous 11 years, the Great Barrier Reef has been affected. At least eight serious bleaching episodes. Three of those situations happened with very low sea conditions. Counter to political projections.

Plastic and agricultural pollutants that were once found in the Great Barrier Reef have been greatly reduced in recent years. As a result, ocean life that uses fertilizers has declined and life forms. Those who use plastic for energy, such as corals, fish, plankton, algae, fungi, and bacteria, have died.

When the temperature of the water rises. Algae become more active, producing more oxygen. Yet, if the coral does not collect enough food, the algae are not satisfied. Do not create oxygen, and eventually become threats to the coral reef, causing it to die. This is referred to as bleaching. After a bleaching episode, coral normally dies. Warmer water carries less oxygen than cooler water. So bleaching is connected with it. Warmer seas are thought to threats of the coral reef because they ‘breathe’ fresh air versus producing their own through plant colonies according to less-than-scientific minds.